templated within said act, any time within three years prior to the passage of said act, to have the benefit of such prior settlement, and to have the time which they lived on said land prior to the taking effect of said act, to form a part and portion of the five years which they are required by said act to live on their lands, to entitle them to receive a patent, and your memorialists will as in duty bound ever pray. INDIAN AFFAIRS. CHAPTER 61. A MEMORIAL TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR ON THE territory Asking the at tention of gov ernment to the state of Indian affairs on the spring upper Missouri, and urging the military protes To the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: Your memorialists, the legislative assembly of the of Dakota, would represent, that the people of this territory have good reason for apprehending an attack early next from the Sioux Indians of the upper Missouri agency, com- necessity of bined with Little Crow's Sioux, of Minnesota, which are now tion. encamped on the Missouri river, near Fort Pierre. For some time past the several bands of upper Missouri Sioux have been threatening war against the settlements in southern Dakota, and have only, thus far, been restrained from a general uprising by the few friendly Indians that still adhere to the stipulations of the Harney treaty. Those friendly disposed Indians have, on account of their fidelity to said amity treaty, becn disowned by the majority of the bands to which they belong, and are forbidden the hunting ground of their nation, and are outcasts from their people. In said treaty, those friendly Indians were promised in consideration of their friendly disposition toward the government, that they should be protected against insult and injury from the hostile members of their tribes. In compliance with their treaty stipulations, these friendly Indians have not only abstained from all acts of disobedience to the government and hostility to the whites, but have exerted a restraining influence upon their wilder and less tractable brethren, which loyal acts have lost them the confidence and friendship of their people, and the privileges of the chase. Repeatedly have they demanded and implored from government the promised protection, but thus far their prayers and the treaty stipulations have been utterly disregarded, and they are reduced to the alternative of war or starvation. Their choice, under the circumstances, no one doubts, and but few can blame. The hostile tribes of the upper Missouri have notified the annuity Yanktons that with the opening of spring they would move in force down the Missouri and carry extermination and devastation in their track on both sides of the river, as far down as Sioux City. They profess to have efficient arms and abundant ammunition, and bid the Yanktons to choose between their brethren and the whites. The newly discovered gold fields on our western border, and on the tributaries of the upper Missouri, are attracting general attention, and, with suitable protection, the June rise will find the Missouri covered with boats, freighted with hardy pioneers and gold adventurers. But unless the requisite protection be afforded by the government, the development of the mineral wealth of Dakota is a question of the future, and a general Indian war, with all its horrors, in immediate prospect. We would, therefore, most earnestly urge the adoption of the policy recommended by Major General Pope-that an expedition be at once fitted out, (of infantry and cavalry) to the number of at least five thousand men, and, with the appearance of grass, move up the Alissouri river and penetrate the Indian country before the various hostile tribes and bands of savages have effected a formidable combination. After suitable chastisement shall have been inflicted upon the Indians, we would recommend, as a military necessity, the construction of fortifications and quarters for the establishment of perma'nent military posts at such points on the Missiouri river and elsewhere, as would seem to afford the greatest protection to the settlements, and to the navigation of the Misscuri river. Humbly trusting that the protection of our western frontier may be promptly and efficiently attended to, and that government will, for once, resort to certain preventative, rather than trust to doubtful cure, and we, your memorialists, will ever pray, &c. APPROVED January 7, 1863. CHAPTER 62. A MEMORIAL TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR To the Honorable the Secretary of the Interior and Commis- to adiuet claime Dakota. WE, the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Dakota, commtestoner would most respectfully represent that many of the citizens of of citizens of Dakota Territory, living in the valley of the Big Sioux and Missouri rivers, have sustained heavy losses from depredations committed by the Sioux Indians, by having their cattle killed, their horses stolen, and in some instances their houses burnt, and their entire property destroyed. And we would further represent, these settlers, like most persons who emigrate to new territories, were poor and needy, and could under no circumstances meet with such losses without seriously impairing their means to procure a livelihood, and in many instances being reduced to abject poverty. Your memorialists would further represent, that most of these depredations have been committed. by Indians who have been and are now the recipients of extensive annuities from the General Government. Now, your memorialists would most respectfully yet urgently request, that a special agent be immediately appointed, to repair forthwith to this territory, to adjust these claims against the Indians, and would also ask that provisions be made for their immediate payment out of the annuities coming to said Indians, and your memorialists will, as in duty bound, ever pray. Asking indemni ty for lossey sustained by tions. To the Hon. W. P. Dole, Commissioner of Indian Affairs: Your memorialists, the legislative assembly of the territory Indian depreda- of Dakota, would most respectfully represent, that during the past season a large amount of property has been stolen and destroyed by the Dakota and Sioux Indians of Minnesota, in different parts of this territory; that on the 25th day of August last, the town of Sioux Falls was attacked by a party of Sissiton Indians, two of the citizens were murdered, and the rest were driven from the place. Immediately after the escape of the settlers, the town was burned, and all the improvements, crops, and other property belonging to said settlers was burned and destroyed, leaving the settlers in an utterly destitute condition, saving only the few articles of clothing and necessaries that they were able to take with them in their flight. And your memorialists would further represent, that the inhabitants of Clay creck, in Clay county in this territory, were by the same Indians plundered and robbed of a large amount of property. They therefore pray that such action may be taken by the department as shall insure to said. settlers, out of the annuities of said Indians, full remuneration for all losses which they may prove to the department that they have suffered from said Indians. Asking protec tion from Gen. Coak. CHAPTER 64. A MEMORIAL TO BRIGADIER GENERAL COOK, COM- Your memorialists, the legislative assembly of the territory of the garrison stationed during the past year at Fort Randall, together with all the field-pieces, save one howitzer for the protection of the post; that the present force now at Fort Randall is quite insufficient to a successful resistance to any contingent attack by hostile Indians; that in view of the premises the peace and safety of the territory is greatly endangered, and therefore urgently request that the volunteers under command of Captain Fuller be immediately mustered into the service of the United States, to be stationed at such points in the territory as may best secure the public safety. Resolved, That a copy of this memorial be signed by the speaker of the house and the president of the council, and transmitted to Brigadier General Cook by the chief clerk of this house. MAIL ROUTE. CHAPTER 65. A MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS FOR THE ESTABLISH- and benefits. To the Congress of the United States: The Legislature of the Territory of Dakota would respect- Route asked for, fully represent, that a great inducement for emigration and settlement in a new country, is the early establishment of mail routes and postal facilities; that, affording the pioneer direct and accessible mail facilities with the east removes one of the greatest privations experienced by the early settlers, and induces others to join him in making the western country their home; |